5210.21.40.20 - Poplin or broadcloth (314)

This classification pertains to specific types of woven cotton fabrics characterized by their construction and composition. The underlying weave is a plain weave, meaning each weft thread passes over and under successive warp threads. These fabrics contain less than 85% cotton by weight, with the remainder primarily consisting of man-made fibers, and have a weight not exceeding 200 grams per square meter. The specific entry "Poplin or broadcloth (314)" denotes fabrics with a very fine, dense weave, typically with a smooth finish and a slight rib effect, commonly used for apparel like shirts and blouses.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, the primary difference lies in the specific fabric constructions and their common nomenclature. While all fall under bleached, plain weave cotton fabrics (less than 85% cotton, not exceeding 200 g/m²), sibling categories like "Sheeting (313)" typically refer to coarser, heavier fabrics often used for bedding, and "Cheesecloth (226)" describes a loosely woven, gauze-like fabric. This specific node focuses on the finer, more tightly woven poplin and broadcloth types, often identified by their lustrous appearance and smooth hand.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS system, there are no further subcategories to introduce under this specific code. Classification at this level requires careful examination of the fabric's weave structure, its fiber composition (ensuring less than 85% cotton and predominant man-made fibers), its weight, and its common identification as poplin or broadcloth based on its physical characteristics and typical end-uses.